Libraries levy barely passes

The Sno-Isle Libraries operations levy passed by less than 1 percent.

In Snohomish and Island counties the combined total was 50.46 percent in favor, and 49.54 percent against. Results were certified on May 4.

Snohomish County voters failed the levy by 4 percent, and Island County voters approved its passage by more than 20 percent, allowing the measure to squeak through.

“We know that voting for property taxes is a difficult decision for voters,” Sno-Isle Libraries executive director Jonalyn Woolf-Ivory said in a news release. “While the library district has a long history of public-funds stewardship, the slim margin of passage is a reminder that we must show voters the value they are receiving from their tax dollars every day.”

According to the library district, the property tax levy accounts for 98 percent of Sno-Isle Libraries’ funding. If the levy had failed, hours and staff would have been reduced throughout the system.

The resolution to put the measure on the ballot passed on Dec. 11. The levy would restore 9 cents to the library district’s regular operating levy, from 38 cents per $1,000 of assessed property value to 47 cents.

Sno-Isle Libraries serves 743,540 residents in Snohomish and Island counties through 22 community libraries, online services and Library on Wheels.

The district began drawing from reserves three years ago. Without this year's levy it was expected that there wouldn’t be enough to maintain current services by the 2019 budget.

The library district last went to voters in 2009.

“Our intent is to follow the same course as in 2009,” Woolf-Ivory said in the release. “We will maintain services with some of the funds and some will go to a reserve account. When expenses outstrip revenue due to the state cap, we’ll begin using the reserve to postpone returning to voters about the levy for as long as possible.”